12-05-2025
MS highlights Wrexham's military traditions following VE Day
MS for Wrexham
VE Day allows us to celebrate the resilience and togetherness of the British people who had lived through years of wartime constraints and dangers.
It also provides the opportunity to reflect and the 80th anniversary commemorations that took place last week have been particularly poignant as it will be one of the last major public moments of recognition for the diminishing number of veterans from World War Two.
As direct links to the past fade, it's more important than ever that we remember those who defended our democracy and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of life.
Wrexham is a city with a strong military tradition and a proud association with the Royal Welch Fusiliers, dating back over 300 years.
It played its part in the national commemorations last Thursday with a special service taking place at St Giles Parish Church.
Afterwards, the RWF Volunteer Corps of Drum led a parade to the cenotaph on Bodhyfryd and I was proud to lay a wreath, alongside other local dignitaries.
It is always heartwarming to see so many members of the public in attendance paying their respects to our Armed Forces past and present.
Students aged 16 – 18 can now check to see if they're eligible for financial support following the Welsh Labour Government's decision to expand the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
EMA can be used to help with education costs such as transport, meals or study supplies.
This year, even more learners in Wales can benefit from the scheme as income thresholds have been raised.
Households with one dependent child are now eligible if their income is £23,400 or less.
Households with two or more dependent children are now eligible if their income is £25,974 or less.
At £40 a week, the Welsh EMA is the most generous package of support of its kind in the UK and almost 2,000 EMA applications have been approved in Wrexham since 2022.
The financial support makes a tangible difference to people's lives and I am pleased even more students look set to benefit from September.
Applications for 2025-26 are now open and you can check your eligibility and apply for EMA via the website.
As always, if you're a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please contact me via email: or call 01978 355743.
